Chris Schellenger had the personality, the portfolio and the chiseled features — a combination that seemed likely to carry him far during the first co-ed season of “America’s Next Top Model.” And then he got eliminated during the first real photo shoot.

The Houston native’s early ouster came as a surprise to fans (including this one). Schellenger sauntered fiercely down the side of a building during a Guess fashion show, but he was all but sabotaged during a wedding-themed photo shoot, which saw him awkwardly cast as a rapper. (Really, Tyra Banks?)

But don’t cry too much for him. Schellenger, who grew up on the west side of Houston and attended Cy-Fair schools, has plenty brewing. (He later moved to Lake Conroe and attended Willis High School.) He recently wrapped a feature, a short film and has a small role in the Lindsay Lohan flick “The Canyons.”

And, yes, he continues to smize for the camera. (Check out his solid cover of fellow Htown star Beyoncé’s “Halo” below.

Were you surprised by the early elimination?
I was surprised. I came in fourth in the (runway down a building) challenge. I felt like I became that thug character on set (during the photo shoot). It wasn’t really captured on film. When I got the criticism, I was like, ‘OK, they’re just gonna make me work for it.’ Then, when I was in the bottom, and they called name after name after name, it started to get real.

Has the support from fans been any consolation?
Definitely. The support is amazing. It’s been so nice being able to connect with everybody and feel the love, if you will. It’s nice to have to people still fighting for you even when you’re not on the show. I’m ready to take the industry and merge my singing, modeling and acting together and hit it full force.

How did you end up on that multitrack, triple-threat lane?
I was born in Houston, Texas, and I went to John Robert Powers (talent/modeling agency) when I was 14 years old. I got a manager that came along six months into the program. My mom and I came out to California in 2005 for almost a year. It just wasn’t quite working, so I went back to Houston and finished school. I always knew I’d come back but had to get some life experience. As soon as I got back two years ago, I started training vocally. I just started training, training, training and harnessing my craft.

What prompted you to audition during this debut cycle for guys?
I have been modeling for a little while and gotten some really good pictures and gotten some really good feedback. ‘ANTM’ posted on L.A. Casting Networks, and I read it probably seven times before I really realized that men were allowed on the show. It was months and months later that they called me. We were there for hours and hours and hours. It was crazy, but it was fun.

Was there anyone you immediately clicked with during your run on the show?
Definitely Bianca. We started the show together. We auditioned together in the same room. We walked down the same runway. Even after the show, we still remain friends.

Have you stayed busy since leaving “Top Model?”
We packed a whole feature film into three weeks. I’m really excited for the result. It’s called “The Hackers.” I’m playing a hacker who essentially starts a website like WikiLeaks. I infiltrate a large company to be a double agent. It’s all the debauchery that happens.

What was the most valuable piece of advice you received?
Rob Evans said, “If you’re gonna be the short guy, you gotta have the best body.” I do hot yoga at least three times a week and lift weights in between. Once we were off the show, Kelly Cutrone said, ‘This is a TV show at the end of the day. Stick to acting. I think could really be great.’

Your height became the subject of a mini-debate among the guys at one point.
In all my years of modeling, I’ve never been berated for my height. It was like, ‘Y’all — I’m 5-foot-10 and a quarter. I’m not that short.’ By normal standards, I’m actually fairly tall. I’ve been on shoots where they put me on an apple box just to kinda bring me up a little bit. There are ways to cheat it.

Who are you rooting for to take the win?
I’m rooting for Cory. From being there, and the edit, he’s very real. He’s very much who he is all the time. I appreciate that he’s working it, and he’s been a good friend.

You were cut before the makeovers. Sad or sigh of relief?
I was worried they were gonna shave my head. Anything else, I was good. I look like a nine year old when you shave my head.

What do you miss most about the Houston area?
I have to be honest. I miss the heat. I do. Sometimes I get cold out here in California. I need too many jackets. I always liked it when I lived there. I miss that southern heat. Even in December, it’s there.